Texas Fountain, welcome and/or welcome back to the Forum!
I'm sure there are many of us who want to attend the conference this year but are unable to, due to various circumstances, some beyond our control.
Going back to your project, I congratulate you for volunteering your time while you're working your way through college!
There's a mountain of wealth here on the forum that these great folks are willing to share, information which will benefit you greatly in many ways and maybe even offer a jump-start to a lifelong career. Jot down your goals, short and long term and create a plan to acheive them. Then spend whatever time you can searching and researching the PBF (current and archived), then ask questions, and be prepared for most correct answers to include "it depends"
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1. You'll be getting input from some of the nation's leaders in all aspects of pond managment, some of which you may be fortunate enough to meet in person and/or bond a close friendship/relationship.
2. The knowledge you acquire will benefit you and the project you have volunteered to work on. This will also benefit those close to your project, again forming (sometimes) lifelong friendships and/or relationships.
3. The benefactors who realize and may be enjoying the results of the efforts you have put forth may be those same folks who help fund, personally or through fundraising efforts, your ongoing education through various means such as classes, literature, PB get-togethers or maybe even a (or this year's?) PB Conference?
This list of possibilities is endless for the individual willing to prove themselves through hard work and dedication. In this world of "it's not what you know, but who you know", be that person people notice, earn their respect and they will want to help you achieve your goals, many times without even asking!
Are you that guy?
Then as time goes on you will "pay it forward", by sharing your knowledge as those here have done with you, donating when possible to the Pond Boss Forum (PBF), and countless other ways to "give back".
I, and I know others here wish you the best and look forward to watching you grow, your knowledge increase, your enthusiasm spark and your project(s) succeed (including some failures along the way)!
Give, learn, and give some more, as the rewards are endless!
Keep us posted!